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No birth has occasioned greater wonder than the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, it continues to amaze people and cause controversy today.

Without question, the Scriptures declare that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. Many passages authenticate it. They provide clear, concise knowledge to the trusting heart about Christ's birth that explains and confirms its miraculous nature.

In the first gospel, Matthew records the birth of Christ in chapter 1.18-25. This text reveals three vital truths about the virgin birth of Christ encompassed in sound faith for the Christian.

Its prediction

In the text, Matthew refers to the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. He quotes the prophet’s prediction of a virgin who would conceive and bear a son (Isaiah 7.14).

Another prophecy, the very first one in the Bible, came in Genesis 3.15. God promised that the seed (not seeds) of the woman would conquer satan. Galatians 3.16 confirms that Jesus Christ is that seed.

Third, Jeremiah predicted the virgin birth of Christ (Jeremiah 31.22). It says that a woman shall encompass a man, which describes a  woman, not a wife and namely a virgin, conceiving and containing a man in her womb.

Even the Jewish teachers identify this passage as applied specifically to the Messiah.

Thus, the Old Testament foretold the miraculous conception of the coming Messiah. Scripture abundantly identifies Jesus Christ as that Messiah.

Its power

The very nature of a virgin birth eliminates the possibility of human conception by male and female. It had to come in some other fashion. In fact, the text identifies the Holy Spirit as the agent in this supernatural event (vs. 18, 20).

The Angel who appeared to Mary explained that the Holy Ghost would come upon her. The power of the highest would overshadow her and bring about the miracle in her (Luke 1.34-35).

Thus, God Himself intervened through the Holy Spirit to cause the supernatural conception of Christ.

Its perfection

In order for the Messiah to fulfill His mission, it required a sinless person. Again, the text confirms the mission of the Messiah as the Savior of sinners and the Son of God (vs. 21, 23).

These requirements demanded a perfect being, a God-man. This man would not consist of two persons in one for that would necessitate a sinful nature, impossible for the Savior.

The eternal Son of God took upon Himself human nature, which (along with the God nature of Christ) resided within the one God-man, Jesus Christ.

Only He, with these two natures in one man, could be the Savior of sinners and the Son of God. The sinless Son of God fulfilled the mission of the Messiah. He could reconcile sinners to God because of His perfection.

The virgin birth is a fulcrum doctrine upon which other vital doctrines rest. If you doubt or deny it, you will almost certainly deny the miraculous events described in the Bible.

In addition, this doctrine shapes the other doctrines of Jesus Christ, e.g., His deity, the resurrection, His works, etc. Further, it supports the doctrines of salvation, e.g., the atonement, redemption, justification, etc.

Consequently, a denial of the virgin birth can not coexist with true saving faith in Jesus Christ. Nor can it coexist with a true work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, Who guides into the truth.

What can the Holy Spirit accomplish in your life with these truths?

·         He can confirm to you their validity.

·         He can comfort you with them.

·         He can contradict false doctrine you may encounter.

·         He can command their application in your life.

·         He can convict you of their absence from your life.

·         He can correct you and conform you to the truth and its implications in your life.

I pray that He will apply them to you life today.

Bibliography

1.   Boettner, Loraine. Studies In Theology. Eerdmans Publishing Co.: Grand Rapids, MI; 1947.

2.   Lloyd-Jones, D. Martin, M. D. Revival. Crossway Books: Westchester, IL; 1987.

3.         Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary On The Whole Bible, 6 Vol. Revell: New York, NY.